Now that the NFL Draft and the majority of the free agent signing period has passed, the Patriots 2013 roster is starting to take shape. While we get a clearer picture of the team that will take the field in the fall, this roster is far from being a finished product. There is still almost three months until the start of camp and plenty of time to add more pieces to the roster.

Where can the Patriots afford to add more help? What positions still need some depth? What moves could the Patriots still make?

I take a look at what types of moves we can expect between now and the start of training camp.

- As of today the Patriots have 89 players on their active roster. The roster limit during the off-season is 90, meaning the Patriots have one open roster spot yet to fill. I wouldn’t pay too much attention to the roster numbers right now. If the Patriots have a player they want to add to the team they can easily waive one of the undrafted free agents to create roster spots. Those final roster spots are always fluid and we can expect movement with some of those UDFA between the end of rookie mini-camp and mini-camps. It’s not uncommon for the team to release a few guys after rookie mini-camp once the coaching staff sees what the player has to offer.

UPDATE: Since this morning the Patriots have released two of their UDFA’s RB Quentin Hines and LB Ian Sluss. That brings the roster number to 87, with 3 open spots.

- I was unaware of the fact until Robert Kraft spoke about it earlier this week, but the Patriots will be returning 22 or their 24 starters from last season. Only WR Wes Welker and WR Brandon Lloyd won’t return from the 12-4 2012 Patriots team. It’s pretty clear that the organization feels really good about the young core they have in place and the goal this off-season was to target specific areas of need and add depth to areas of the roster. That is with one exception of course, as the wide receiver position has undergone a drastic rebuild.

- As of May 5th the Patriots have somewhere between 9.2 – 9.6 million dollars in cap space. That amount includes LeGarrette Blount’s paycut. Based on last year’s rookie contract numbers it’s expected that it will cost right around 3.7 million dollars to sign all of their draft picks this year. Taking those numbers into account it can be assumed that the Patriots have just about 6,000,000 dollars in available cap room.

- I don’t expect the Patriots to use all of that cap space. They need to keep money available during the season in case injuries occur, if they want to resign players and money to roll over to next year. With that said I still believe they will still sign 1-2 more veteran free agents that will be on the team when they open up against the Buffalo Bills. Most deals that will be completed between now and then will be minimum level, 1 year deals.

- Defensive End is one position where I think the Patriots will still bring in a veteran player to add to the mix. The John Abraham situation has been talked about at length. As far as I know the Patriots offer to him is still outstanding to Abraham. They have played the market perfectly as he still sits out there on the free agent marker. Abraham has made seven free agent visits with no deal and the longer he sits out on the market the more his price will drop. I have been told all along that his decision will be based on playing for a winner, playing time and of course the contract.

-The Patriots are the only team to offer him a contract this off-season. As long as the Patriots draft acquisition of Jamie Collins didn’t change their interest, then there is still a possibility that Abraham will end up in Foxboro. If a final deal is consummated, I expect it would be a 1 year deal for something between 1.5 to 2 million for they year.

- Despite losing Donald Thomas to the Colts in free agency, the Patriots have yet to add a veteran Guard to the roster. I expected the Patriots to draft a Guard with one of their draft picks, but they decided to pass. After the draft they did sign Josh Kline out of Kent State and Chris McDonald out of Michigan State. The fact that the Patriots haven’t been proactive adding OG depth tells me they feel they have enough depth on the roster. That means Marcus Cannon likely makes the move to full-time OG, which most feel is his best position. Cannon offers much more upside than Dan Connnolly and I wouldn’t be shocked if he developed into the starter by season’s end. Don’t be surprised if the Patriots add a veteran Guard of two to the roster before the start of training camp.

- Many people have asked whether the Patriots could still add a veteran WR to the roster before training camp. While I wouldn’t rule it out, I think it’s unlikely. The Patriots brought in essentially a whole new WR corps and used two (relatively) high draft choices on the position. Amendola, Dobson, and Boyce are locks to be on the roster. Why take reps away from those guys to bring in a low level veteran WR? Those guys will need all the time they can get working with Brady in mini-camp, OTAs and training camp. The ultimate success of the 2013 team will be determined by the ability of the new WR corps to make an impact in big games.

- I actually think it’s more likely the Patriots bring in one more veteran tight end to compete during training camp. We all know the injury situations of Gronkowski and Hernandez, but Jake Ballard will still be recovering from his knee injury as well. Daniel Fells and Michael Hoomanawanui are still on the roster and I think the Patriots would like Hoo-man to take the next steps and develop into more of a receiving threat. But, if the team is uncomfortable with their depth they could target a TE with more proficient receiving skills, such as a Dallas Clark to provide camp depth.

- One thing to keep in mind when looking at this Patriots roster is the youth throughout. As I tweeted out last night, the Patriots are likely to roster a defense next year with the average age of 25.2 years old. If you take Adrian Wilson out of the equation that number drops to 24.9 years old. On the other side of the ball the average age of the offense (besides Brady) is 25.6 years old. The game plan has been clear and that is to build up a young, talented defense, which can turn into the strength of the team in Brady’s waning years. It’s also important to keep in mind that by adding veteran players to the roster, it takes reps away from those young players who are the future of the team. Adding a veteran presence to the secondary was key this off-season and they fulfilled that need with Adrian Wilson.

- There are really only two other areas where I can see them targeting veteran help before camp. One is running back, where just the sheer limited of number of backs on ther roster make it a position of need. There is no doubt who the main horses will be during the season, but limited carries during camp and preseason games will be important. The other spot is linebacker. The Patriots drafted Steve Beauharnais, so that limits the need somewhat, but they have yet to resign Tracy White who provided depth throughout the season. I could see them adding a veteran LB to compete in camp, similar to what they did with Bobby Carpenter.

- Finally, when you look at the totality of the roster two things stand out. The first the youth found at each position. Besides the QB (who we all know is the most important player), the rest of the roster is incredibly young. Second, is the depth at most positions. The camp battles will be heated, especially at Safety, Wide Receiver and Defensive Tackle.

How the heck does this guy know that we are the only team to offer Abraham a contract? Other than that not much to disagree with here. It wouldn't surprise me if some of the cap space is used to preemptively lock up one or more guys.

- There are really only two other areas where I can see them targeting veteran help before camp. One is running back

Not sure I agree with this statement from the article. My guess is that they are pretty much set here.

His point was that you need extra bodies in camp to limit the workload of RBs. Running backs seem to age faster than any other position on the field, and every carry, even in the pre-season, takes its toll.

Good post. I agree they will bring in bodies but Kline and McDonald were two of the better UDFA guards available, Scar should be able to mold them into players. The depth on this year's team will be really good. We may need to bring the best available tightend free agent in assuming Gronk starts the year on the PUP. It's good to finally read an optimistic take on the Patriots, this place is gloom and doom all the time...

Good post. I agree they will bring in bodies but Kline and McDonald were two of the better UDFA guards available, Scar should be able to mold them into players. The depth on this year's team will be really good. We may need to bring the best available tightend free agent in assuming Gronk starts the year on the PUP. It's good to finally read an optimistic take on the Patriots, this place is gloom and doom all the time...

not all the time. some of us are unhappy with the free agent and draft policies, but now that is behind us, time to move on to camp and player evaluations...

I hope if I am able to attend camp, and post someone did or didnt look good, you dont take that as doom and gloom...I think I honestly call them as I see them. Not that I am an expert, but I was spot on with Ocho, Gallery, Fletcher and Price when I commented. I thought Brace looked good in camp...I thought Cannon looked bad in camp. I also thought Mallett would over take Hoyer after last years sessions.

Good post. I agree they will bring in bodies but Kline and McDonald were two of the better UDFA guards available, Scar should be able to mold them into players. The depth on this year's team will be really good. We may need to bring the best available tightend free agent in assuming Gronk starts the year on the PUP. It's good to finally read an optimistic take on the Patriots, this place is gloom and doom all the time...

not all the time. some of us are unhappy with the free agent and draft policies, but now that is behind us, time to move on to camp and player evaluations...

I hope if I am able to attend camp, and post someone did or didnt look good, you dont take that as doom and gloom...I think I honestly call them as I see them. Not that I am an expert, but I was spot on with Ocho, Gallery, Fletcher and Price when I commented. I thought Brace looked good in camp...I thought Cannon looked bad in camp. I also thought Mallett would over take Hoyer after last years sessions.

I was pleasantly surprised to read your upbeat post. If season started today Pats would be in great shape compared to most other teams.

Good post. I agree they will bring in bodies but Kline and McDonald were two of the better UDFA guards available, Scar should be able to mold them into players. The depth on this year's team will be really good. We may need to bring the best available tightend free agent in assuming Gronk starts the year on the PUP. It's good to finally read an optimistic take on the Patriots, this place is gloom and doom all the time...

not all the time. some of us are unhappy with the free agent and draft policies, but now that is behind us, time to move on to camp and player evaluations...

I hope if I am able to attend camp, and post someone did or didnt look good, you dont take that as doom and gloom...I think I honestly call them as I see them. Not that I am an expert, but I was spot on with Ocho, Gallery, Fletcher and Price when I commented. I thought Brace looked good in camp...I thought Cannon looked bad in camp. I also thought Mallett would over take Hoyer after last years sessions.

I was pleasantly surprised to read your upbeat post. If season started today Pats would be in great shape compared to most other teams.

either 1st or 2nd favored to win the AFC...think the 49'ers and Seahawks are teams to beat in the NFC.

Good post. I agree they will bring in bodies but Kline and McDonald were two of the better UDFA guards available, Scar should be able to mold them into players. The depth on this year's team will be really good. We may need to bring the best available tightend free agent in assuming Gronk starts the year on the PUP. It's good to finally read an optimistic take on the Patriots, this place is gloom and doom all the time...

Pats are strong and deep. Seems that way every year. But I do believe they need to UPGRADE either both or one of the O line and/or D line. The changes at DT MAY not bee enough. I just dont know. If the D line is essentially the same in terms of effectiveness then they need to upgrade eother C or RG or both.

Good post. I agree they will bring in bodies but Kline and McDonald were two of the better UDFA guards available, Scar should be able to mold them into players. The depth on this year's team will be really good. We may need to bring the best available tightend free agent in assuming Gronk starts the year on the PUP. It's good to finally read an optimistic take on the Patriots, this place is gloom and doom all the time...

not all the time. some of us are unhappy with the free agent and draft policies, but now that is behind us, time to move on to camp and player evaluations...

I hope if I am able to attend camp, and post someone did or didnt look good, you dont take that as doom and gloom...I think I honestly call them as I see them. Not that I am an expert, but I was spot on with Ocho, Gallery, Fletcher and Price when I commented. I thought Brace looked good in camp...I thought Cannon looked bad in camp. I also thought Mallett would over take Hoyer after last years sessions.

I was pleasantly surprised to read your upbeat post. If season started today Pats would be in great shape compared to most other teams.

either 1st or 2nd favored to win the AFC...think the 49'ers and Seahawks are teams to beat in the NFC.

AFC surprise team-Phins

NFC surprise team-Cowboys

I think the Phins will not be a factor. I thnk the surprise team in the AFC might be Cinci. They now have a 2 TE monster to challenge others the way we have plus they have Green, decent running and a decent young QB.

In the NFC I would be careful of GB. THey may have a great year this time out.

Good post. I agree they will bring in bodies but Kline and McDonald were two of the better UDFA guards available, Scar should be able to mold them into players. The depth on this year's team will be really good. We may need to bring the best available tightend free agent in assuming Gronk starts the year on the PUP. It's good to finally read an optimistic take on the Patriots, this place is gloom and doom all the time...

not all the time. some of us are unhappy with the free agent and draft policies, but now that is behind us, time to move on to camp and player evaluations...

I hope if I am able to attend camp, and post someone did or didnt look good, you dont take that as doom and gloom...I think I honestly call them as I see them. Not that I am an expert, but I was spot on with Ocho, Gallery, Fletcher and Price when I commented. I thought Brace looked good in camp...I thought Cannon looked bad in camp. I also thought Mallett would over take Hoyer after last years sessions.

I was pleasantly surprised to read your upbeat post. If season started today Pats would be in great shape compared to most other teams.

either 1st or 2nd favored to win the AFC...think the 49'ers and Seahawks are teams to beat in the NFC.

AFC surprise team-Phins

NFC surprise team-Cowboys

I think the Phins will not be a factor. I thnk the surprise team in the AFC might be Cinci. They now have a 2 TE monster to challenge others the way we have plus they have Green, decent running and a decent young QB.

In the NFC I would be careful of GB. THey may have a great year this time out.

I agree on Cincy and GB, both will be good, but no surprise there. They both made the playoffs last year

It is indeed an optimistic read but we have past history here. Answering questionabe needs of the team have been ignored before. Look how long it took to get the defensive backfield in some kind of order. WR has been a problem of late and until recently there was no RB solution.

BB has done a great job once again in rebuilding this team. I can't think of many teams that would win 12 - 14 games while rebuilding but he's been able to manage that. They could use a couple of guys for depth but this team as long as the core ccan stay relatively healthy can win it all. Denver is good but the hype is way way overblown because of the medias love for Manning. We will beat Denver again. The young defense is really coming together, it could well be the strength of the team by the playoffs. That's going to be important because the offense has struggled in recent years during the post season. Patriots winning the Super Bowl in NY would be awesome.

Good Post! Looking at the roster, there are not many available spots. 22 of 24 starters returning. Add 2 backup TE, 3 extra running backs, 3 safeties, 3 cb's, 3 on the kicking team, 3-4 backup OL, at least 4 rookies making the team. That is 44 of the possible 53 spots filled. The final 9 will be the competition in camp. I am thinking that Slater may not have a solid spot this year. He is a good special teams player but is a one trick pony. BB may use this spot for another bubble player that can play multiple positions.

Good post. I agree they will bring in bodies but Kline and McDonald were two of the better UDFA guards available, Scar should be able to mold them into players. The depth on this year's team will be really good. We may need to bring the best available tightend free agent in assuming Gronk starts the year on the PUP. It's good to finally read an optimistic take on the Patriots, this place is gloom and doom all the time...

Pats are strong and deep. Seems that way every year. But I do believe they need to UPGRADE either both or one of the O line and/or D line. The changes at DT MAY not bee enough. I just dont know. If the D line is essentially the same in terms of effectiveness then they need to upgrade eother C or RG or both.

No argument that the team has depth and is strong.

I agree, they are deep but along with you I wish they would have upgraded a couple more positions. Knowing that after rooks they are $6mil under makes me wonder why they didn't try to grab an additionally CB in FA or toss the extra $1mil at Sanders. I like Dobson and Moe. Boyce I'm a bit indifferent about but even with a solid rook WR class I'd prefer to have Sanders behind Amendola then Jones. Heck I think there is a good shot Moe beats out Jones for a spot on the team.

The G situation to me never was. The moment they signed Svitek they'd be fine because they have 3 swing guys who can play G in McDonald, Zusevics, and Cannon. All in all I exactly love how this OL looks right now. Much more comfortable with it then I was last year going into camp.

The DT spot is another one I wish they attacked a little harder. They showed interest in a number of guys that ended up signing for decent money but nothing more then their market value. Kelley to me is another retread. Maybe he'll have a little life left in him and give what G. Warren did but Warren was just a piece, a very good piece, but just a piece not an impactful starter. Who knows maybe Armstead is that guy but I think he'll need a year or two to develop and get up to NFL speed. Lets face it, he did well in the CFL but teams like LSU, Ala, heck maybe even ND last year could beat most CFL teams so it's like having an extra year on a top 10 college team. Though between Deadrick and Love who are both stout against the run if Kelley can just focus on the pass rush it might be a good bridge until Armstead develops.

The TE situation doesn't concern me. Even if Gronk has to go on the 6 week PuP I think they will be fine. Keep an eye on that UDFA TE Sudfeld. I think he has a great chance at making the team. Especially if Gronk goes on PuP.

As for vets they bring in late to camp, when was the last time one of those types worked out well, Waters in the shorten preseason? I could be completely wrong and I'm sure someone will point someone out but when was the last camp vet signing during a full offseason did more then being nice depth or a role player? So, I'm really not counting on any vet they bring in late to actually play a starting role. Imo we can essentially place all the starters right now except for a debate on the #2 WR and the 2nd DT

I could be wrong, so someone correct me. But, since we carried over $5mil from last year if we don't use that $6mil this year then we lose that $5mil and can only carry over $1mil next year. If that's the case then I hope we add a couple vets who actually make the 53man squad or use that extra money to resign some of our guys this year. Spikes, Wendell, and Nink shouldn't be allowed to hit FA because someone will offer them good money. Spikes and Wendell the most important as I think Wendell is a C for years to come and Spikes is an anchor behind Wilfork in the run game. $6mil should be plenty to lock all 3 up

Good post. I agree they will bring in bodies but Kline and McDonald were two of the better UDFA guards available, Scar should be able to mold them into players. The depth on this year's team will be really good. We may need to bring the best available tightend free agent in assuming Gronk starts the year on the PUP. It's good to finally read an optimistic take on the Patriots, this place is gloom and doom all the time...

not all the time. some of us are unhappy with the free agent and draft policies, but now that is behind us, time to move on to camp and player evaluations...

I hope if I am able to attend camp, and post someone did or didnt look good, you dont take that as doom and gloom...I think I honestly call them as I see them. Not that I am an expert, but I was spot on with Ocho, Gallery, Fletcher and Price when I commented. I thought Brace looked good in camp...I thought Cannon looked bad in camp. I also thought Mallett would over take Hoyer after last years sessions.

What are these "policies"?

You do realize that if Brady and the offense hadn't sucked in Sb 42 or SB 46 you wouldn't be typing what you are typing on a daily basis, correct?

I am THRILLED.......THRILLED with our teamdbuilding "policies" and cannot wait for another division title.

I will cross my fingers with Brady's play in January yet again.

Why must you ruin EVERY thread with your sickness? Just because the author notes a couple of needs, doesn't mean it's a slap in the face, media hate, conspiracy, against your beebee.